Steven Vagovics – Ikigai
Bratislava’s Steven Vagovics delivers an introspective musical meditation with ‘Ikigai’, his latest album exploring the Japanese concept of life’s purpose. The 29-year-old singer-songwriter channels influences from Coldplay, Radiohead, and The Beatles into a cohesive ten-track journey that marries Western indie rock sensibilities with Eastern philosophical depth.
The album opens with the title track ‘Ikigai’, immediately establishing Vagovics’ intention to create something more than mere entertainment. His approach to the Japanese concept of finding one’s reason for being translates musically through carefully constructed arrangements that balance contemplative moments with dynamic instrumental passages. The guitar work throughout the album stands as a particular strength, with solos that feel both technically accomplished and emotionally resonant.
‘Rain In Japan’ and ‘Nagomi’ showcase Vagovics’ ability to create atmospheric soundscapes that transport listeners beyond geographical boundaries. The drumming across these tracks provides a solid foundation without overwhelming the delicate interplay between guitar and keyboards. The keyboard arrangements deserve special mention for their clarity and precision, cutting through the mix with crystalline definition that enhances rather than clutters the sonic palette. The album’s standout moment arrives with ‘You’, where Vagovics incorporates violin into the arrangement. This orchestral element feels organic rather than forced, demonstrating a mature understanding of when to expand beyond the traditional rock band setup. The violin adds emotional weight to the track without sacrificing the album’s cohesive identity.
Songs like ‘Home’, ‘Old Friend’, and ‘Komorebi’ reveal Vagovics’ talent for crafting memorable melodies that linger beyond the listening experience. His songwriting demonstrates genuine growth, particularly in how he seamlessly weaves Japanese cultural themes into his work without resorting to superficial appropriation. The track titles themselves, including the beautiful ‘Komorebi’ (the interplay of light through leaves), suggest an artist who has deeply engaged with his source material. However, the album does reveal areas for improvement. Vagovics’ vocal delivery shows a clear distinction between his stronger chest voice and his less developed head voice. When he sings in his lower register, his voice carries warmth and authenticity that perfectly complements the introspective nature of the material. However, when reaching for higher notes, his head voice lacks the same confidence and richness, occasionally creating an imbalance that could benefit from further vocal development. Additionally, the overall production could benefit from a fuller, more dimensional approach that would give the arrangements greater impact and presence.
‘Back In Time’ and ‘The Strangest Thing’ demonstrate Vagovics’ range as a songwriter, moving between reflective balladry and more uptempo arrangements with confidence. The album’s structure, bookended by ‘Ikigai’ and ‘Ikigai (Outro)’, creates a satisfying cyclical journey that reinforces the thematic content about life’s continuous search for meaning. The production, while clean and professional, occasionally feels too restrained for the ambitious scope of the material. A more dynamic mix could enhance the impact of those impressive guitar solos and give the drums more presence in the overall sound. Nevertheless, the clarity of the individual elements allows listeners to appreciate the careful attention to musical detail.
‘Ikigai’ succeeds as a thoughtful artistic statement from a developing talent. While Vagovics may still be finding his full voice as a performer, his skills as a composer and his willingness to explore meaningful themes mark him as an artist worth following. The album rewards patient listening and reveals new layers with repeated exposure. For fans of introspective indie rock with global influences, ‘Ikigai’ offers a rewarding 40-minute journey through questions of purpose and belonging. It’s an album that prioritises substance over flash, making it particularly appealing to listeners seeking music with genuine depth and emotional authenticity. (7/10) (Autumn Lady Records)
